The Husqvarna 525iLST Delivers Power On Demand Without The Hassle of Gas
We recently tested ten of the best battery-powered string trimmers from the top consumer and Professional brands. The Husqvarna 525iLST 36V String Trimmer made quite an impression on our team during testing, and I decided to take a deeper dive to show you what sets it apart from other models you might be considering.
Pros
- Large 18-inch cutting swath
- Excellent cutting speed
- Excellent vibration control
- Outstanding runtime
- 0.105-in. line capable
- Good balance
Cons
- Line loading isn’t as easy as other rapid load heads
- No tether point for a shoulder strap
Husqvarna 525iLST String Trimmer Performance
- Max No-Load Speed: 0-5500
- Max Line Size: 0.105 in.
- Cutting Swath: 18 in.
- Runtime: 40 min. 32 sec. (with 9.0Ah BLi300 battery)
Cutting Power
The Husqvarna 525iLST features a brushless motor with power equivalent to a 25cc gas motor. This powerful motor gives this trimmer a top speed of 5,500 RPMs, which is excellent for clearing moderate overgrowth. The power level is noticeably lower than other models like Makita’s GRU07 and Milwaukee’s dual-battery 3006 which are both at the 35cc mark. However, Husqvarna is still more than capable of tackling your everyday trimming tasks without breaking a sweat.
Moreover, this trimmer is capable of handling 0.105-inch line, so it can easily tackle stalky reeds and woody grasses. Keep in mind that you can still use 0.080-inch and 0.095-inch lines for your everyday trimming if you prefer fewer line reloads or want to extend your runtime. Additionally, this trimmer sports an impressive 18-inch cutting swath, so clearing larger areas in a hurry is no issue for the 525iLST.
Vibration
Vibration can absolutely kill your arms when it comes to string trimmers, but Husqvarna has historically done a nice job keeping it under control. The 525iLSY is no exception. I noticed it the most in the front handle, but I didn’t feel as much in the rear handle. Overall, it’s not a deal breaker, but the vibration level isn’t quite as low as some premium models.
Runtime
As of right now, the 525iLST is not sold as a kit, so you’ll need to grab a battery to go along with it. We paired it with a 9.0Ah battery (BLi300) and clocked a total runtime of 40 minutes and 32 seconds. That’s impressive for a battery-powered trimmer and gives you plenty of trigger time for those larger jobs. If you need to extend your runtime or you’re just doing some light trimming, I’d suggest backing down the power.
It’s worth noting that the 9.0Ah battery does add some additional weight. Husqvarna does have other smaller batteries on this 36V system that will give you ample performance, but cut down on weight. Taking it a step further, there’s also a compatible backpack battery system that takes the majority of the weight off the tool. This adds some extra cost, but gives your arms a much deserved break!
Husqvarna 525iLST String Trimmer Design Notes
- Model: Husqvarna 525iLST
- Power Source: Husqvarna 36V battery
- Weight: 13.11 lbs (with 9.0Ah BLi300 battery)
- Length: 70.75 in.
- Shaft Type: Straight
- Shaft Material: Aluminum
Size and Weight
One of the things I always look for with string trimmers is a good balanced feel, and Husqvarna nailed it! The 525iLST weighs 13.11 pounds with a 9.0Ah battery and that weight is very even distributed across the tool. This makes it easy to maneuver around landscaping features since it’s not too front or back-heavy.
While 13 pounds might sound a little intimidating, keep in mind that manufacturers are rapidly shifting their focus towards longer runtime, and thus, larger batteries. In the modern battery-powered OPE arena, a 13-pound string trimmer is likely the new norm for Pro-grade models.
At 70.75 inches in length, this trimmer is actually one of the shorter models we tested in this year’s Best String Trimmer shootout. This smaller size can be a real advantage if you’re trying to save space in a crowded garage or landscaping trailer.
Speed Controls
This is one of the few string trimmers on the market with an actual control panel rather than a simple speed switch. The control panel includes a power button, speed selector button, and battery life meter.
Press the power button to activate the tool, then press the speed selector button to navigate to your desired setting. The power button can be a little foreign to most folks because it does require an extra step, but the safety benefits cannot be overstated. This helps prevent accidental activation during transport and storage.
Grip and Trigger
As with most string trimmers, the Husqvarna features a beaver-tail safety and a 2-finger trigger. My only real gripe with this trimmer is the design of the safety switch. In order to engage the switch, you have to first press it forward and then down in one motion. It’s a small flaw on an otherwise amazing tool, but if you’re used to a traditional beavertail safety, you might have to re-learn some muscle memory.
Line Loading
This trimmer comes with a very traditional style trimmer head rather than a speed-load head. All this means is that you’ll have to spend a few more minutes loading your line, especially compared to a speed-load system.
Keep in mind, you can always swap out the trimmer head if you want to make things a little easier for yourself or your crew.
Additional Features
- Metal housing guard
- Adjustable front handle
Husqvarna 525iLST String Trimmer Price
The Husqvarna 525iLST retails for $399.99 as a bare tool and comes with a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty against material defects.
The Bottom Line
While it’s not the strongest battery-powered model available, the Husqvarna 525iLST string trimmer is a legit option for Pros who want a replacement for 25cc gas trimmers. With its large-diameter line capability, generous cutting swath, and range of battery options, you can configure it for mow-and-blow lawn care, roadside maintenance, and just about everything in between.
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